After weeks of speculation, lawmakers formerly unveiled Monday a proposal to devote millions of dollars to boosting the state’s nuclear power plants, but the measure is likely to prompt heated debate over what critics consider to be a bailout of the nuclear energy industry.

The plan, touted by Rep. Thomas Mahaffie (R-Dauphin) and other nuclear advocates, say their plan would add nuclear power to the state’s Alternative Energy Portfolio, putting it on the same level as wind or solar energy. They argue it is necessary to save upwards of 16,000 jobs, as well as help the state achieve its clean energy and economic goals.